No images? Click here 25 June 2025 President Trump’s second term has been defined by a risk-taking approach to test both the limits of his presidential power and the effectiveness of different policy approaches. When presented with the opportunity to potentially cripple Iran’s nuclear development program, he ordered the strike, even though this move was not supported by key members of the MAGA movement. While the decisive move seems to have led to a threshold in ending the fighting between Israel and Iran, leaked early reporting indicates it may have only set Iran’s nuclear program back by months, rather than years. Trump has also tested new approaches to policy like tariffs and immigration. The Supreme Court handed Trump a victory in ruling that he could continue to handle immigration as a foreign policy issue, which simultaneously increases the power the executive has to manage it and removes the constitutional obligation for due process in handling deportations. While the court said this might change depending on the outcome of an appeal based on merit, it is a significant victory for the president and a validation of his choice to pursue an unprecedented approach to deportations. One of the biggest tests will play out next week as Republican lawmakers seek to pass the “Big, Beautiful Bill” by 4 July. President Trump is staking his reputation on this bill and when Republicans have flagged it may not be feasibly by the desired deadline, the White House has doubled down on their insistence it pass on time. This bill was the focus of the schism between Trump and Elon Musk and will require winning over fiscal conservatives who are opposed to the US$2.8 trillion deficit increase it would entail. While President Trump’s track record on these gambles is mixed, his maximalist approach to the executive has seen results on a far faster timeline than would have been feasible if he asked for permission rather than forgiveness. Lead image: President Donald Trump and senior staff monitor US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites from the White House Situation Room, Saturday, 21 June 2025. Portions of the image have been blurred for security reasons (Official White House Photo by Daniel Torok). "It was my great honor to Destroy All Nuclear facilities & capability, and then, STOP THE WAR!"President Donald Trump on Truth Social | 25 June 2025 Recent content from us
Our experts in the newsThe Australian | What makes Iran's nuclear weapons different to the rest of the world's CEO Dr Michael Green spoke with The Australian on Iran's nuclear weapons program and how Australia might position itself in response to conflict in the Middle East. ABC | The impact the aftermath and what's next as US strikes Iranian nuclear sites Non-Resident Senior Fellow Bruce Wolpe spoke to ABC Radio about the US strikes on Iran and what to expect next in the Middle East. 7 News | Expert analysis on US-Iran-Israel conflictDirector of Research Jared Mondschein spoke with 7NEWS on the latest developments in the conflict between the US, Iran, and Israel. He discussed the potential ceasefire, the diplomatic nuances, and the capabilities of the involved parties. Upcoming events CONFERENCESydney International Strategy Forum 2025: Navigating DisruptionFrom tariffs to artificial intelligence, one word best sums up 2025: disruption. President Donald Trump’s first 100 days featured norm-breaking policies at breakneck pace, often to be overturned days or weeks later. At the same time, the wars in Ukraine and Gaza have entered new eras with high-level negotiations, on-again off-again fighting and a new world order forming in real time to adapt to a changing strategic landscape. The 2024 trend of turfing incumbents has given way to foreign elections that many perceive to be a referendum on US politics. What is the future of the United States’ role in the world? How can governments and businesses plan in the midst of constant change? How should allies and partners approach security challenges in 2025 and beyond? International experts across government, business and research will share their insider insights on the discussions happening in Washington, Tokyo and Canberra and what this means for US allies and partners around the world. Confirmed speakers include:
PUBLIC FORUMDavid Shambaugh: How China won and lost AmericaThere are only a few tickets left for the USSC's conversation with Professor David Shambaugh, a world-renowned China scholar and author of “Breaking the Engagement: How China Won and Lost America”. Register today to secure your place.
PUBLIC FORUMKelly Magsamen: The future of US defence policyJoin us for a fireside chat with Kelly Magsamen, former Chief of Staff to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Senior Advisor at The Asia Group.
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